Zephyranthes candida (White Rain Lily)

Zephyranthes candida (White Rain Lily) Details

Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as the White Rain Lily or Fairy Lily, is an outstanding and popular plant in NZ gardens. It features beautiful and fragrant, white flowers with a yellow centre which are borne through summer and autumn. The flowers are held on short stems above the long and slender, dark green leaves. The combination of flowers and foliage is impressive. It grows as a clump to about 20 cm tall and 30 cm wide and may die back during winter, but it will regrow again when temperatures warm. This Fairy Lily grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of frost, cool climates, coastal environments, and heavy, wet soils. The White Rain Lily is ideal for cottage gardens, rock gardens, mixed plantings, planting around the base of larger trees and shrubs, or simply growing in a container. For an amazing display try a mass planting Zephyranthes candida on a bank or as a groundcover with plants spaced 20 cm apart.

Zephyranthes candida Care

Zephyranthes candida require a few key elements to perform well. The first is a well-drained soil. If they are sitting in prolonged wet, the bulbs can succumb to rot. If this is an issue, consider raising up the soil height or growing them in a pot or raised garden. Once this issue is overcome, they can grow almost anywhere! Rain Lilies will grow well in either full sun or partial shade such as under the dappled light of a deciduous tree or around small shrubs. They prefer good levels of soil moisture during summer but ensure the top 25 mm of soil has dried out before they are watered each time. Apply a light application of slow-release fertiliser in spring or just after the bulbs are planted. In colder regions, you may want to consider placing a bark mulch over the bulbs to protect them from freezing conditions during winter. Alternatively, lifting and storing the bulbs indoors in a cool, dry place over winter is a viable option. Be sure to plant Zephyranthes candida in clumps for a stunning display of flowers and remember they also make excellent pot plants.